With the onset of the symptoms, I visited a walk-in clinic for a diagnosis and treatment. The doctor conducted a brief physical exam and asked a series of questions.

The physical exam included checking my vitals, testing my reflexes, and facial reflex exercises targeting my ability to make facial reactions.

Questions focused on how I was feeling, any health complaints, and my recent history involving any experiences that may have acted as a trigger.

The doctor diagnosed me with Bell's palsy and prescribed the following medication:

• Prednisolone (cortisone/steroid - to target inflammation) - 50mg pills in tapered, reduced doses for over 6 days  
• Valacyclovir (Zovirax - an anti-viral agent) - 1mg pills three times a day for 7 days
• Doxycycline (an antibiotic) - 100mg pills two times a day for 21 days

My blood was drawn and sent off to be test to eliminate potential causes, such as Lyme disease or a viral infection. The results of this blood exam returned negative on all accounts.

With the help of family, I began taping the eye on my affected side closed with medical tape. 

Upon arriving back to Germany, at the behest of my wife and uncertain about the initial evaluation and diagnosis, I checked into the Gesundheitszentrum Glantal medical clinic in Meisenheim, Germany.

The doctor conducted another physical exam and asked a similar line of questions. He decided to reduce the medication intake down to only prednisolone. 

I had more blood drawn for an additional sample to be tested for the same potential causes as the blood test in the US; this additional blood test was taken for the sake of obtaining results faster.

A CT scan was conducted and there were no noticeable issues.

A spinal tap was conducted and the cerebrospinal fluid was clear, denoting no issues (no infection).   

I received a visit from a physical therapist, who instructed me on a series of 12 different facial (reaction) exercises targeting different facial muscles.

I began wearing an eye-patch to protect my eye and was recommended to wear a watch-glass bandage.

I remained in care at the clinic for two days.

Upon returning home, I continued to conduct the facial exercises five times a day and continued to take the prednisolone in tapered, reduced doses. I ordered myself the Bell's Palsy Handbook by Alan McDonald, which I found very informative and supportive.

I visited my primary care provider (PCP) for a follow-up check-up after my stay in the clinic. I informed my PCP about the situation and the relevant medical history. She conducted another physical exam. She prescribed physical therapy and, as per my request, provided me with sick leave for the following two weeks.

I began acupuncture treatment. The first 60-minute session started with an initial discussion, in which I provided an account of my situation and treatment. The acupuncturist targeted sites related to the nerve network of the paralyzed side of my face in addition to the main nerve network on the affected side of the body. While the treatment showed no direct improvement of the paralysis, I felt very relaxed.

Except for not holding a discussion, the second session of acupuncture was very similar to the first, with the acupuncturist targeting the same nerve sites. I did not experience any improvement, but once again felt very relaxed when finished.

Once again, I went through another session of acupuncture, which went very similar to the first two. I came out feeling very relaxed, but with no change to the paralysis or my overall state. There was a final conversation with the acupuncturist, which ended with her advising me to perhaps hold off on getting more acupuncture until I noticed an improvement in my condition.

My first session of physical therapy today. The therapist started by asking me to tell him about my situation and condition. He focused on my spine and neck, and conducted three different exercises for twenty minutes. The first exercise entailed me lying on my right side, lifting my left arm into the air, and having me raise my left arm higher into the air, sticking my tongue out and to the left, and looking up and to the left.